Live: Bal Thackeray off life support system

Following the positive announcements made by several leaders today, Mumbaikars relaxed though crowds of supporters continue to throng Bandra East and the entire area has remained under a security blanket.

The chief minister is understood to have discussed the security arrangements in Mumbai and the rest of the state with top police and civil officials here Thursday afternoon.

Mumbai Police and other security agencies have made heavy security arrangements outside Matoshri and in large parts of Bandra East, barely a stone's throw away from the CBD, Bandra-Kurla Complex, which also houses the US Consulate and the British Deputy High Commission.

Over 350 police personnel, Rapid Action Force and other contingents led by senior officers have deployed stringent security in the vicinity to prevent any untoward incidents.

Notwithstanding the security, tension spread.

There were reports that all shootings in Goregaon Film City had stopped and some theatres had stopped movie screenings.

Large parts of Mumbai and suburbs remained closed for businesses as news of Thackeray's delicate health spread Thursday morning.

Shiv Sena bastions like Bandra, Dadar and other parts remained virtually deserted as people preferred to remain indoors and catch the latest on Thackeray's health through the media.Read More

9. 30 pm

No shooting of films, TV serials in Mumbai studios

The otherwise busy film studios in the city wore a deserted look today with no shooting of films or television serials taking place amid concerns over Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray's health condition.

"People have voluntarily decided not to shoot today," T P Agarwal, President, Indian Motion Pictures Association and Film Federation of India said.

Officials at major studios in the city like Filmcity, Filmistan, Mehboob studio, Kamal Amrohi Studios said that no shooting was going on today.

"Shooting was scheduled to go for few of our shows today but we don't know what the situation is. There are few artists who have voluntarily decided against shooting," a source from an entertainment channel said.

The health condition of the 86-year-old Shiv Sena chief was stated to be critical but stable.

Glamour world personalities like Amitabh Bachchan and his son Abhishek, Rishi Kapoor with brother Randhir, Salim Khan and son Salman Khan, Manoj Kumar, Madhur Bhandarkar and Bappi Lahiri also visited Matoshri to enquire after Thackeray's delicate health.

8. 50 pm

Uncertainty looms over showbiz industry

As Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray remained critical on Thursday, a cloud of uncertainty loomed over filmmakers, TV producers and theatres owners.

While various shops across the city were reportedly asked to shut down, filmmakers and television producers were shooting under pressure. Theatre owners were also prepared for the worst.

"We are working and trying to meet our deadlines. We are working under pressure and trying to get out next episodes ready in case if we have to cancel the shoots on short notice then at least we will be on a safer side," a source form the television industry said.

Meanwhile, around 60 to 70 percent celebrities have reportedly decided to cancel the outdoor shoots as a mark of respect to Thackeray.

“I am extremely disturbed and concerned about the critical health of Shri Balasaheb Thackeray, who is like a family member to me. My prayers are with Balasaheb and the entire Thackeray family,” Mangeshkar wrote on Twitter.

“In view of this, I am postponing the function of my music company to a later date,” Mangeshkar said.

The event was scheduled for November 18.

7. 30 pm

Get well soon message from Pakistan cricket chief Zaka Ashraf

The head of Pakistan's cricket board has sent a "get well soon" message to firebrand Indian politician Bal Thackeray who has demanded Delhi cancel next month's tour by the Pakistani team.

Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Zaka Ashraf said he has wished the 86-year-old founder of the hardline Hindu Shiv Sena party, who is in a critical condition in a Mumbai hospital, a speedy recovery.

"I have sent a message of get well soon to Mr Bal Thackeray," Ashraf told.

"Our religion and our Prophet Mohammad (SAW) taught us that we should wish everyone good health and life and following that I have wished him well and sent him a bouquet."

7. 00 pm

Parts of Mumbai shut down

Parts of Mumbai were shut down on Thursday as supporters of firebrand Hindu nationalist leader Bal Keshav Thackeray flocked into India's commercial capital, alarmed by reports that he was close to death after a sharp decline in his health.

6. 15 pm

Prithviraj Chavan to visit Bal Thackeray shortly

Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan has been continuously monitoring law and order situation in the state in view of the deteriorating health of Shiv Sena patriarch Bal Thackeray.

"Last night, Mr Chavan held a high-level meeting with the chief secretary and top police officers. Since this morning,he is in constant touch with family members of the Sena chief," official sources said. Mr Chavan is expected to visit Mr Thackeray shortly.

Even as there are no specific intelligence inputs of a law and order challenge in Mumbai

The Centre has kept paramilitary forces on standby in Maharashtra as a precautionary measure to counter any law and order challenge Mumbai might encounter as a result of Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray's deteriorating health.

Government sources said Central forces on way to Gujarat for poll duty have been asked to break their journey and be on standby in Maharashtra for immediate deployment in case a situation arises.5. 30 pm

Bal Thackeray off life support system, security beefed up in Mumbai

Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray, whose condition turned critical last night, is showing signs of improvement and has been taken off the life support system, party spokesman Sanjay Raut said on Thursday.

"Yesterday definitely there was some problem. Balasaheb is stable and responding to treatment and off life support system. Yesterday there was the need for him to be on life support system but today it is not," Raut, a Rajya Sabha MP, said.

No medical bulletin on the ailing 86-year-old leader's condition has been issued as yet, but one of the doctors attending on him said Thackeray was still being administered oxygen.4.30 am:

Veteran actor Manoj Kumar has arrived at Bal Thackeray's residence.

4.18 pm:

Shiv Sena leader Subhash Desai has said that Bal Thackeray's is responding well to treatment. His condition is critical but stable according to the Shiv Sena.

"Bal Thackeray is responding well to treatment. The blessings of the people have worked and Balasaheb is doing well. Dawa se bada dua hai (wishes work better than medicines). Doctors are working round-the-clock monitoring his health and I can assure you, he is improving," said Desai.

3.52 pm:

Filmmaker Subhash Ghai tweeted: "I pray for balasaheb health i hv many fond memories since he used to discuss my movies as a writer. a rare combine of artist n politician."

Singer Kailash Kher posted: "Entire Mumbai is Stand still,worried about One n Only shri Bala Saheb Thackreys health, may the divine power bring him to good health soon."

3.20 pm:

Hema Malini is another actor who has prayed for Bal Thackeray through Twitter

'Praying for a speedy recovery for the real son of Maharashtra Shri BalaSaheb Thakery our wishes and prayers are with him God Bless Him...,'the star tweeted.

3.00 pm:

Another star from Bollywood arrived in the form of Salman Khan at Matoshree. His bodyguard got into a small scuffle with the policemen posted outside the Thackeray residence according to reports.

2.33 pm:

Amitabh Bachchan remembered Bal Thackeray on Twitter.

" When I fought for my life after 'Coolie' accident, he came to visit me in hospital, with a cartoon he had drawn - Yamraj defeated !

Yamraj - God of Death, defeated by me..wish I was as proficient a cartoonist as he, for tonight I would wish to draw that for him," the star tweeted.

2.30 pm:

BJP president Nitin Gadkari is on his way to Matoshree. Industrialists Rahul Bajaj of the Bajaj group and Venugopal Dhoot of Videocon also made their presence felt at the Thackeray residence.

"My sympathies and love to Uddhav and Aditya as they cope with the tragedy of Balasaheb's failing health. May he fight back and win. Our prayers go out for Balasaheb Thackeray and his family members.... May the tiger wake up and roar again," he said.

"That a cartoonist in the Free Press Journal could reach where Balasaheb reached is a tribute to the power of Indian democracy. There will be lots of time later to discuss the politics of the Sena, good or bad. Time to now pray that Balasaheb comes back from the edge," he added.

Filmmaker Ashok Pandit tweeted, "Balasahab stopped my community (Kashmiri pandits) from picking up arms by giving us education. After my exodus, I went to Balasaheb for help. He asked me wht do u want? I said our wealth is education. He immed creating a quota & gve us edu (sic)."

2.15 pm:

Lata Mangeshkar and Madhur Bhandarkar wish for Thackeray's recovery

Lata Mangeshkar has tweetd her concern over Bal Thackeray's illness.

"I am extremely disturbed and concerned about the critical health of Shri Balasaaheb Thackeray, who is like a family member to me. My prayers are with Balasaaheb and the entire Thackeray family," Mangeshkar wrote on Twitter.

She has postponed a music event by her company in the light of these developments. The event was scheduled for November 18.

"#Balasaaheb has always been a fighter & it is with that spirit I wish he spring back 2 good health soon. Strength 2 his family. Met Udhav saaheb at Matoshree, Balasaaheb is stable. Let's be optimistic & pray for his speedy recovery," tweeted Bhandarkar

A sea of followers flooded the Kala Nagar junction around midnight as news of Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray’s deteriorating health spread across the city. Over 5,000 people had thronged outside Matoshree and were seen waiting for updates of their leader. The atmosphere was tense and the anticipating crowd was getting agitated as scores of cars carrying VIPs and senior Sena leaders kept speeding past them and heading inside Matoshree.

Uddhav Thackeray is expected to address the media shortly. NCP chief Sharad Pawar has also arrived at Matoshree.

12. 20 pm:

Raj Thackeray has returned to the Thackeray's residence after going home earlier this morning.

According to reports , a health bulletin could be expected in the next couple of hours. A senior Shiv Sena leader or one of Bal Thackeray's doctors could give a health update.

11.55 am:

India Against Corruption calls off Mumbai protest

India Against Corruption has called off its protest march in Mumbai. The Jamnalal Bajaj Awards to be held today in Mumbai has also been postponed

11.40 am:

Bal Thackeray's family and senior party leaders remain at Matoshree, as Thackeray remains critical according to reports.

The area around the Thackeray residence has been cleared of crowds.

11.10 am:

Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut has said that Bal Thackeray’s condition is presently stable. Raut added in an interview to a television channel that Thackeray has responded in a miraculous manner to the treatment being administered to him.

"Balasaheb is stable now. Need not worry. He is responding to doctors' efforts," Raut, a Rajya Sabha MP, said.

He also appealed for calm among Shiv Sena cadre.

Doctors attending to Thackeray (86) had said last night that he was in a "very critical" condition and on life support system.

None of the doctors attending on him were available for the latest update on his condition today.

10.59 am:

The Mumbai city police has cancelled leaves of all the policemen in the wake of Bal Thackeray's worsening health condition. About 48,000 policemen will be patrolling the streets on shifts according to reports. The Rapid Action Force has also been called in to maintain law and order.

10.41 am:

Loudspeakers being mounted outside Matoshree, say reports

BJP leader Gopinath Munde has said that Bal Thackeray's health is improving. This information was passed on to him by the Shiv Sena leader's son Uddhav Thackeray according to reports.

Reports also suggest that loudspeakers are being mounted outside Matoshree.

10.25 am:

Finance Minister P Chidambaram surprised over arrest of a person who attempted to photograph him near the Chennai airport. Chidamabaram seeks relief of the person immediately.

9.40 am:

Xi Jinping set to become new Chinese President in March 2013

Xi Jinping has been named the new head of China's Communist Party and is set to become President in March. Li Keqiang will become the new premier, China's official news agency Xinhua has reported. They replace Hu Jintao and Wen Jiabao respectively.

9.29 am:

Amithab roughed up by angry crowd at Thackeray residence

The Indian Express has reported that Amitabh Bachchan was injured outside the Thackeray's residence, Matoshree. He was roughed up by an angry mob which was upset after hearing about Bal Thackeray's condition. Bachchan was appealing for calm.

Bachchan later tweeted that he was treated for cuts and bruises by doctors at Matoshree.

9.10 am:

Prayers needed for Bal Thackeray tweets Amitabh Bachchan

Amitabh Bachchan who spend some time at the Thackeray's residence had this to say about Bal Thackeray's condition on Twitter: "Balasaheb Thackeray: a fighter all his life, fights his life!! Prayers needed now!"

An earthquake measuring 6.3 on the Richter scale struck Chile Wednesday but there was no casualty or damage.

The tremor hit the Atacama and Coquimbo regions around 4 p.m., according to the seismological service of the University of Chile, Xinhua reported.

The emergency office said there was no report of casualty or damage to infrastructure.

8.00 am:

Let's pray, says Uddhav Thackeray

"We are hopeful. You be hopeful. Let's pray."

This is what Bal Thackeray's son Uddhav said to people who assembled outside the ailing Shiv Sena patriarch's residence 'Matoshree' in suburban Bandra late midnight.

"Bal saheb has strong will power. We'll come out from the problem. Don't trust rumours. Make peace," Uddhav, accompanied by son Aditya, said.

Doctors treating the Sena leader had said that 86-year-old Thackeray was in a "very critical" condition and on life support system.

7.30 am:

India and England will be without the services of fast bowlers Ishant Sharma and Steven Finn when they open a four-Test series in Ahmedabad today.

Finn has not recovered from a thigh strain suffered in England's three-day tour opener in Mumbai last month, while Sharma was ruled out of the first Test due to viral fever he picked up on Tuesday.

The duo's absence was confirmed by rival captains Alastair Cook and Mahendra Singh Dhoni at a pre-match press conference on Wednesday, even as speculation mounted over the likely nature of the newly-laid pitch.

Both Dhoni and Cook expected the dry surface at the Motera stadium to assist spin, but added its unknown quality would generate considerable interest for the two teams.